Switch operating mechanism



Dec. 18, 1962 Filed DeC. 29, 1959 oFF S. W. SOOS SWITCH OPERATINGMECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Armen/Ys Dec. 18, 1962 s. w. soos swITcHOPERATING MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Deo. 29, 1959 INVENToR. 7EVENW Soos BY Mx/nn,

United States Patent O tea 3,069,518 SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM StevenW. Soos, Brecksville, Ohio, assignor to The Coutrollix Corporation,Bed-tord, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Filed Dec. 29, 1959. Ser. No.862,558 20 Claims. (Cl. 200m-9d) This invention relates to switchoperating mechanisms and has particular relation to mechanisms foroperating a pair of switches or circuit breakers in a preselectedsequence.

The mechanism of the present invention is particularly applicable fortransferring an electrical load device from avtirst power supply to asecond power supply when the rst supply has become inoperative for anyreason. As an example, it is frequently desirable to quickly transfer aload from a normal source of supply to an emergency source of supplywhen the normal supply has failed. It is also desirable to return theload for energization from the normal supply when the latter has beenrestored to an operative condition.

The present invention relates to mechanism for operating switches insequence and, `as stated above, it is particularly useful intransferring an electrical load from a first power supply to a secondpower supply. The mechanism includes circuit breakers or switches whichare tied together by an operating member that is moved to operate theswitches in sequence.

An important objectl of the present invention is to provide a switching,arrangement wherein irst and second circuit breakers or switches areoperated in sequence between positions by throwing a memberinterconnecting actuating elements for the switches or breakers, withthe sequence of operation being determined by the fact that one of theactuating elements requires more force t actuate the element to theposition to which it is to be thrown than is required for actuating theother element.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an operatingmechanism for operating rst and second circuit breakers in sequencebetween positions wherein the first breaker is on and the second breakeris olf to positions wherein the second breaker is on and the iirstbreaker is olf, the mechanism including a member tying the actuatingelements of the breakers so that the breakers are constrained to be intheir lirst positions or in their second positions, with the memberbeing translated to throw the breakers and a sequential throwing of thebreakers occurring by reason of the fact that the actuating elementsrequire diterent forces to be thrown.

It is still another object of the invention to provide an operatingmechanism including a lever or bar operatively connected to a pair ofswitch actuating elements and movable between spaced positions toactuate the switches with the lever being mounted for movement about anaxis transverse to the direction of spacing of the positions to allowactuation of one of the switches in advance of actuation ofthe other ofthe switches.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mechanism as definedin the preceding object wherein the lever is yieldably connected to theactuating elements.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a mechanism asdefined in the next preceding object wherein a pair of solenoids isprovided to effect movement of the lever between its operatingpositions.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mechanism as detinedin the preceding object wherein the 'solenoids are de-energized byswitches actuated in response to movement of the lever toward itsoperating positions.

' In a preferred embodiment of the invention the operat- 4 3,069,518Patented Dec. 18, 1962 ice ing means of the mechanism is in the form ofa flat planar lever or bar having ends each operatively connected to aseparate one of the switch actuating elements. The lever is mounted formovement between its operating positions about a rst axis which istransverse to the direction of spacing of the operating positions andparallel to the plane of the lever. In order to permit the connectionand disconnection of the power supplies in the proper sequence the leveris also mounted for predetermined movement about a second axis which istransverse to the rst axis and transverse to the plane of the lever.

The lever is preferably yieldably connected to the actuating elements sothat limited movement of the lever relative to the actuating elements ispermitted when the elements arrive at their operative positions. Theyieldable connection also allows movement of the lever about the secondaxis to provide the proper sequence of actuaion of the switches.

The lever is preferably moved to its operating positions by theselective energization of a pair of solenoids having plungers which areoperatively connected to the lever. Selective energization of thesolenoids is conveniently controlled by a suitable switch which may beactuated manually or automatically in any suitable manner. Energizationof each solenoid effects a separate direction of movement of the lever.When the lever is moved in either direction in response to energizationof one of the solenoids .a control switch is actuated in response tomovement of the lever which eiects de-energization of the energizedsolenoid. The arrangement is such that the lever has no stable neutralposition between its operating positions. The solenoid plungers areoperatively connected to the lever through a suitable spring arrangementwhich effects rapid and positive movement of the lever to its operatingpositions.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in whichFIG. l is a view in front elevation of a switch mechanism constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention and showing anoperating lever in one of its two operating positions;

FIG. 2 is a view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. l; p

FIG. 3 is a view with parts shown in section taken along the line 3-3 ofFIG. l;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line 4 4 of FIG. 5 showing theoperating lever in its unstable neutral p0- sition intermediate its twooperating positions;

FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a View in top plan of a yieldable part employed in themechanism of FIG. l;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation showing the relative locationsof parts of the mechanism when the mechanism is in its operatingpositions and in its intermediate neutral position; and

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of an electrical circuitemployed in the device of FIG. l.

The present invention is susceptible of various constructions andmodifications and of use in various type c1rcu1ts, and particularly withcircuits wherein a pair of circuit breakers are to be actuated to openone breaker to interrupt current in one circuit and to close the otherbreaker to establish current in a second circuit, it being desirable torst interrupt the second circuit and then establish the lirst circuit.In switching systems for trans? ferring from normal to emergency power,and vice versa, it is desirable that the circuit breaker carrying theload current from either the normal or the emergency power to the load,as the case might be, be actuated to an open position prior to the timethat the other circuit breaker is closed to connect the load to theother power supply.

The present invention is, therefore, particularly useful in transferswitch mechanisms connected to transfer a load between emergency andnormal power supplies or between any two power supplies where it isundesirable to interrupt the current flow to the load.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a pair ofcircuit breakers, arranged in spaced side-by-side relationship. Thecircuit breakers are preferably conventional type circuit breakers, eachhaving an actuating element which extends outwardly of the casing forthe breaker mechanism and which is normally actuated manually to throwthe breaker between its open and closed positions. In accordance withthe present invention, an operating bar or lever receives the actuatingelements for the circuit breakers and is movable between first andsecond thrown or operating positions to actuate the circuit breakersbetween open and closed positie. s. The operating bar is moved to afirst position to open one circuit breaker and to close the othercircuit breaker, a il is moved to a second position to close the onecirc breaker and to open the other circuit breaker. The one circuitbreaker may be connected to close the circuit between the normal powersupply and the load, while the other circuit breaker may be connected toclose the circuit between an emergency power supply and the load asdescribed hereinafter.

In accordance with the preferred form of the invention, the operating7bar is moved between its upper and lower positions by mechanism whichmay be conveniently disposed in a small space between the breakers. Themechanism for moving the bar is constructed, as explained in detailhereinafter, so that first one breaker and then the other 4breaker isoperated when the closed breaker is carrying a current. In other words,the bar is not necessarily moved parallel to itself through itsoperating movement but first one end may be moved to throw one circuitbreaker and then the other end moved to throw the other breaker, the barrocking about the central portion thereof to permit the movementdescribed.

Inasrnuch as the actuating elements in the conventional circuit breakerhave definite limit positions, it is necessary that the throwing of thebar be done so that the force applied to the handles when they reachtheir limit positions is insufiicient to break the handles. Furthermore,the bar must be yfree to move angularly with respect to the actuatingelements as well as in ya direction lengthwise of the bar to permit therocking of the bar to throw first one breaker and then the other. Theoperation of the bar to throw first one breaker and then the other isdescribed in more detail hereinafter.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG. l a switchoperating mechanism constructed in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention. As there shown, a suitable base 1 is mounted in anydesired manner to a supporting panel and extends in a verticaldirection. The base 1 may be mounted to extend horizontally if desired.'Ille base 1 supports a pair of horizontally spaced switches or circuitbreakers 2 and 3 which are adapted to be operated by the mechanism ofthe present invention. The switches or breakers 2 and 3 may be ofconventional snap-acting construction.

Each of the circuit breakers is associated with a separate power supply(not shown) for connecting the associated supply to a suitable loaddevice (not shown). Each power supply may provide alternating current ata frequency of sixty cycles per second. For this purpose the switch 2 isprovided with a plurality of input terminals 4 whereas the switch 3includes a plurality of input terminals 5. These input terminals may beconnected in any suitable Imanner to the associated source of supply. Aplurality of electrical conductors 6 connect a plurality of outputterminals 7 of the switch 2 to a plurality of output terminals 7' of theswitch 3. Each of the conductors 6 is provided with a connector 7a withthese vconnectors being adapted to be connected to a load device (notshown).

Each of the switches or breakers 2 and 3 is provided with a suitableactuating element which may be in the form of a projection which extendsoutwardly of the casing Ifor the breaker and which is connected to themechanism of the associated switch. As shown in FIG. 1, the switch 2includes an actuating element `8 whereas the switch 3 has an actuating7element 9. The elements 8 and movable between two spaced operatingpositions in vertical directions as viewed in FiG. l. The elements S and9 are movable between on and off positions wherein the switches 2 and 3are respectively in closed and open conditions. It is observed that whenthe elements 8 and 9 are in their upper positions as viewed in FIG. lthe element 8 is in its ofi position to open the switch 2, whereas theelement 9 is in its on position to close the switch 3. Similarly, whenthe elements 8 and are in their illustrated lower positions theylrespectively close the switch Z and open the switch 3.

According to the present invention, an operating mechanism is providedto control operation of the switches 2 and 3. In the present inventionthe operating mechanism is designed so that if one of the switches orbreakers is closed and carrying current and the other is open or notcarrying current, the current carrying switch is actuated in advance ofactuation of the other switch. This arrangement is advantageous ininstallations wherein it is desire-sI to transfer a load Vfrom anemergency source of supply to a normal source of supply after the normalsupply has `been restore in auch emergency power installations oneswitch is carrying current and the other is not and it is desirable toactuate the other switch subsequent to actuation of the current carryingswitch so that the load is connected to the normal supply after itsdisconnection lfrom the emergency supply. It will be assumed that theswitch 2 is associated with an emergency power supply and that theswitch 3 is associated with a normal power supply.

As viewed in FIG. l, the operating mechanism of the present inventionincludes parts which may be positioned in the space between the switches2 and 3 to be supported by the base 1. The mechanism includes operatingmeans illustrated in the form of an elongated, generally flat bar 1@ of`any suitable construction. The bar 1d may be formed of a suitablemetallic material to be of rigid construction and includes a pair ofends having sections 11 and 12 which are displaced from the plane of thebar to provide recesses which are bridged by suitable bridging devices13 and 114. The bridging devices 13 and 14 are arranged to connect thebar 19 with the switch actuating elements S and 9.

The devices 13 and 14 are such as to provide a yield- `able connectionbetween the bar and actuating elements and are each comprised of a pairof identical resilient members 15 each having the configurationillustrated in FIG. 6, wherein only one of the members 15 isillustrated. The members 15 may be formed of suitable metallic wireproportioned to provide the desired resiliency. Each of the bridgesincludes a pair of the members 15 which are arranged in reversedrelation about an axis extending longitudinally thereof. It is observedthat each of the members 15 includes a pair of terminal portions 16 and17 having openings for receiving rivets 18 and 19 which may be attachedto spaced areas of the bar. Intermediate terminal portions 16 and l17 isa straight section 20 and the members 15 are positioned so that thesections 2G are spaced to define a passage for receiving the elements 8and 9 as shown in FIG. l. The purpose of the bridges 13 and 14 will bemore fully described hereinafter.

In the present invention the bar 1t) is mounted for movement insubstantially vertical directions, as viewed in FIG. l, between a pairof spaced operating positions. In order to mount the bar 10 there isprovided a U-shaped supporting member 21 having a base 22 with a pair ofThe operation of the device may be described as follows:

Let it be assumed initially that the bar is in its position asillustrated in FIGS. l and 3 to provide an on condition of the switch 2and an ofi condition of the switch 3, whereby the emergency supply isconnected to the load and the normal supply is disconnected therefrom.When the normal supply is restored, the load may be transferred to thenormal supply by actuation of the arm 69 of the switch 68 toward theleft as viewed wherein the switch 2 is on and the switch 3 is offf Letit be assumed that it is desired to operate the mechanism to turn theswitch 2 off and to turn the switch 3 on. To accomplish this thesolenoid 43 is energized by movement of the arm 69 of the switch 68 inthe lefthand direction as viewed in FIG. 8 to connect the contacts 70and 72. This effects energization of the winding 66 of solenoid 43 andthe bar 10 will be moved upwardly as viewed in FIG. 7 in the directionof the arrow 86 to the position illustrated in the central figure ofFIG. 7. This position corresponds to that shown in FIG. 4 and it isobserved that the bar 10 in such position is displaced clockwise withrespect to its position in the bottom figure of FIG. 7. This slightclo-ckwise movement of the bar results from the `fact that a somewhatgreater force is required to actuate the switches 2 and 3 to the onposition than is required to actuate the switches to the off position.Such force differential is inherent in switches or breakers ofconventional snap acting design. This differential in force prevents theelement 9 connected to the end 12 of the bar from moving initiallywhereby the end 11 of the bar is displaced slightly about the axis ofthe bolt as the end 11 carries the element S therewith. Suchdisplacement is permitted by reason of the yieldable connection affordedby the bridge 13 consisting of the resilient wires 15.

Continued movement of the link toward the left as viewed in FIG. 4causes the spring 49 to pass through the vertical central plane of therocker 27, whereby the spring effects a quick snap movement of therocker 27 and the bar 10 to the left-hand operating position. In thisoperating position the bar 10 occupies a position shown in the upperillustration of FIG. 7. As the bar 10 is snapped toward its left-handoperating position the end 12 of the bar is moved upwardly and in acounterclockwise direction from its position shown in the centralillustration of FIG. 7, to carry the element 9 therewith to the onposition. Subsequent to movement of the element 8 to its o position theend 12 of the bar is moved sufficiently to carry the element 9 to its onposition. It has been observed that the operating mechanism is effectiveto vcomplete the transfer in less than three cycles of the sixty cyclefrequency.

During such snap movement the switch 57 is opened to de-energize thesolenoid 43, and the switch 56 is closed to condition the Winding 67 forsubsequent energization when it is desired to connect a load to theemergency supply. It is noted that a first one of the switches 56 and 57is closed and a second one of the switches is opened when the bar movesin one direction, and that the first switch is opened and the secondswitch is closed when the bar is moved in the opposite direction.

When it is desired to transfer a load from the normal lsupply to theemergency supply, the arm 69 of the switch 68 is moved in a direction toenergize the winding 67 of the solenoid 46 through the now closed switchS6. This will effect movement of the bar to the position it occupies inFIG. 3. When the bar is moving toward the right as viewed in FIG. 4, theswitch 56 will be opened to de-energize the solenoid 46, and the switch57 will be closed to condition the solenoid 43 for subsequentenergization when it is desired to connect a load to the normal supply.

In moving from one position to the other, the rocker 27 is first movedto approximately a center position which will, at least, effect themovement of one end of the bar to throw the circuit breaker actuated bythat end section of the bar, and as the rocker moves through center theother end of the bar will begin movement to actuate the other breaker.

After the rocker 27 moves through center, it will actuate the switches56, 57 to de-energize the solenoid producing the movement and conditionthe other solenoid for energization. Since the actuating mechanism is anovercenter mechanism, the switches 56, 57 may be actuated in advance ofthe complete throwing of the second breaker to be thrown since thespring 49 will function to snap the bar to complete the throwing of thesecond breaker even though the solenoid is de-energized. IInasmuch asconventional breakers normally have overcenter mechanisms therein whichwill cause the breaker to assume either an open or closed position, withthe center position being unstable, it is preferable that the switches56, 57 .are not actuated until after the rocker 27 has moved to 'a pointwhere both actuating elements for the breakers 2, 3 are at least in andpreferably over, their center position.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certainspecific embodiments thereof, numerous modifications are possible and itis desired to cover all modifications within the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a mechanism for operating a pair of switches, a bar having a pairof spaced ends each to be operatively connected to a separate switch ofa pair of switches, a channel-shaped member having a length dimensionless than the length dimension of the bar, first means securing saidbarl within the channel to have said length dimensions in parallel-relation with clearance between sides of the bar and sides of thechannel, said rst means additionally mounting the bar for pivotalmovement relative to the member about a first axis extending transverseto said length dimensions between said ends, second means mounting saidmember for movement in opposite directions between spaced operatingpositions about a second axis transverse to said first axis and parallelto said length dimensions for operating the switches, and third meansfor effecting movement of said member about said second axis to carrysaid bar between said spaced operating positions.

2. In a mechanism for operating a pair of switches, a bar having a pairof spaced ends each to be operatively connected to a separate switch ofa pair of switches, a channel-shaped member having a length dimensionless than the length dimension of the bar, first means securing said barwithin the channel to have said length dimensions in parallel relationwith clearance between sides of the bar and sides of the channel, saidfirst means additionally mounting the bar for pivotal movement relativeto the member about a first axis extending transverse to said lengthdimensions between said ends, means mounting said member for movementabout a second axis extending transverse to said first axis and parallelto said length dimensions, a link movable in a plane transverse to saidsecond axis, a coil spring having ends operatively connected to saidlink and to said member, and a pair of solenoids each having a plungerconnected to a separate end of the link.

spasms spaced parallel legs 23 and 23 extending from the base 22transversely thereof. The bar is positioned within the space between thelegs 23 and 23 to engage the base 22 `such that the length dimensions ofthe bar lil and the base 22 extend in parallel directions. The spacebetween the legs 23 and 23 is somewhat greater than the width dimensionof the bar Ml which permits the bar E@ to be positioned within thechannel formed by the legs with spaces 24 and 24 between the sides ofthe lever and the legs. It is observed that the length of the member 2lis considerably less than that of the bar iii for a purpose appearinghereinafter. A suitable cap 2l may be secured to the member 2l ifdesired.

ln the present invention the bar l@ is mounted for movement about anaxis which is transverse to the direction of spacing of the operatingpositions of the bar and to the plane of the bar. For this purpose asuitable pivot is provided which also serves to secure the bar to themember 2l. In the embodiment illustrated this connection consists of abolt 25 having a threaded part which extends through suitable openingsin the base 22 and the bar ld to threadably receive a nut 26. The headof the bolt 25 is located within a recess of the base A slight clearanceis provided between the bolt 25 and the side walls of the openingsthrough which it extends to permit the desired pivotal movement.

The member 2l and in turn the bar l@ are mounted on -an inverted'LJ-shaped rocker 27 comprising a crosspiece and a pair of spaced lens29 and 29 extending downwardly in parallel relation from the crosspiece2%. The base 22 of the member 2l is secured in any suitable manner tothe crosspiece 23 of the rocker 27. T he lower ends of the legs 29, 29of the rocker 27 are connected to a bracket 30, which has a base 3lsecured to the base It in any suitable manner and spaced legs 32 and 32which are secured respectively adjacent the legs 29 and 29 of the rockerZ7 by a suitable pin 33 which extends through openings of the legs 29and 29 and 32 and 32'. lt is noted that the pin 33 provides a pivotabout which the rocker 27, the member 2l, and the bar lo may be moved sothat the bar itl may be carried between its operating positions. Asuitable roller 34 may be positioned to surround the pin 33 to space thelegs 29 and 29 of the bracket 27.

An activator link or plate 35 is disposed between the legs 29, 29 of therocker 27 and is reciprocable to rock the rocker 27 to move the barbetween its operating positions. The activator link is of generally tlatrectangular configuration and is supported in a plane extendingtransverse to the axis of the pin 33. The link 35 includes an elongatedslot 36 through which the pin 33 and roller 34 extend whereby movementof the link relative to the pin 33 is permitted in the direction ofelongation of the slot. The link 35 includes further a pair of openings37 and 3S which receive pins 39 and 40 extending respectively throughspaced projections 41 of a plunger 42 of a solenoid 43 and spacedlprojections 44 of a plunger 45 of a solenoid 46. Suitable spacers 47surround the pin 39 between the projections 41 and the link 35 whereasspacers 4Sv surround the pin 4l) between the projections 44 and the link35. This arrangement provides operative connections between the link 35and the solenoids 43 and 46.

The operating mechanism for the bar 10 further comprises in theillustrated embodiment a helical spring 49 having ends 59 and 51 whichare secured respectively to the link 35 and to the rocker 27. The endSi) of the spring extends through a central opening 52 of the link andthe end 51 of the spring is attached to a pin S3 which extends throughsuitable openings of the legs 29 and 29 of the rocker 27 adjacent theupper end thereof. As will presently appear, the spring 49 -provides anover center arrangement which facilitates the movement of the bar 10between its operating positions and provides unstable neutral positionsof the bar intermediate its operating positions.

CII

In order to control energization of the solenoid the invention providesa plurality of switches, certain of which are actuated in response tomovement of the bar 10 toward its operating positions. For this purposea pair of U-shaped members 54 and 55 are secured respectively to thelegs 29 and 29' of the rocker 27 so that the legs of the members 54 andS5 extend in opposite directions parallel to the length dimension of thebar iti. ln the preferred embodiment, the members 54 and 55 are arrangedto actuate respectively switches 56 and 57 by engaging actuating arms SSand 59 of the switches 56 and .LJ-'7. As will presently appear, theswitch 56 is effective when actuated by displacement of the arm 5S inone direction to tie-energize the solenoid 46 and the switch 57 iseffective when actuated by displacement of the arm 59 in one rection to(ie-energize the solenoid 43.

Any suitable arrangement may be employed for mount ing the switches 56and 57. in the embodiment illustrated a pair of supports 6d and 61 areprovided with each of the supports being located on a separate side oflink 35. The support 6@ is arranged to mount the switch 56 so that thearm 5S thereof is between a pair ble screws 5d carried by the legs ofthe memso that one of the screws 54 will engage and displace the arm 5Sto open the switch 56 to Cle-energize the solenoid 46 as the bar l@ ismoved to the right as viewed in 4, as a result of energization of thesolenoid 46. ln a similar manner the support 6l mounts the switch 57 sothat its arm 59 is between a pair of adjustable screws S5 carried by thelegs of the member sc that one of the screws 55 will engage and displacethe arm to open the switch 57 to `de-energize the solenoid 43 inresponse to movement of the bar l@ toward the left as viewed in FIG. 4,as a result of energization of the solenoid in order to facilitatemovement of the link 35 a pair of rollers 62 and a pair of rollers 63are mounted at opposite ends of the link by suitable pins 64 and 65which extend through the rollers 62 and 63 and through suitable openingsof the link.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated in diagrammatic form anelectrical circuit which may be employed to control energization of thesolenoids 43 and d6. As there shown, the solenoids 43 and 46 includerespectively electroconductive windings 66 and 67 which arediagrammatically illustrated in association with a suitable switch 68which may be actuated in any suitable manner either manually orautomatically. In the embodiment illustrated, the switch 68 may bemanually actuated by movement of a suitable arm 69 relative to a pair ofspaced fixed contacts 70 and 71. The arm 69 is connected to a fixedcontact 72 which is connected to one side of a suitable source 74 ofelectrical voltage the other side of which is connected to a conductor73 connected to the windings 66 and 67. The source 74 may convenientlycomprise the emergency source of supply if desired. When the arm 69 ismoved to the position wherein it connects the contacts 70 and 72 thewinding 66 is energized from the source 74 through the closed switch 57whereby the solenoid 43 is energized and the plunger 42 is displaced tothe left to effect movement of the link 35 and the bar 10 toward theleft as viewed in FIG. 4. During such movement of the bar one of thescrews 55' carried by the member 55 displaces the arm 59 of the switch57 to open the switch 57 which effects deenergization of the solenoid43, and also closes the switch 56. In a similar manner when the arm 69is moved to a position wherein it connects the contacts 71 and 72, thewinding 67 is energized from the source 74 through the closed switch 56to energize the solenoid 46 which effects displacement of the plunger 45toward the right and movement of the link 35 and the bar lt) toward theright as viewed in FIG. 4 to the position illustrated in FIG. 3. As thebar l0 moves in this direction one of the screws 54 carried by themember S4 engages the arm 58 of the switch 56 to open this switch foreffecting de-energization of the winding 46, and also to close switch57.

3. In a switch device,`a pair of switches each having a separateactuating element, bar means having a pair of spaced ends, yieldablemeans yieldably connecting each of4 said ends to a separate one of saidelements, means mounting said bar means for movement between a pair ofspaced operating positions in opposite directions substantiallytransverse to the length dimension of the bar means for operating theswitches, means permitting predetermined movement of said bar meansabout an axis extending substantially transverse to said oppositedirections and to said length dimension between said ends, and means foreffecting movement of said bar means between said operating positions.

4. In a switch device, a pair of switches each having a separateactuating element, said elements having first positions wherein one ofsaid elements provides a closed condition of its switch and the other ofthe elements provides an open condition of its switch, and having secondpositions wherein the one element provides an open condition of itsswitch and the other element provides a closed condition of its switch,a bar having a pair of spaced ends, yieldable means yieldably connectingeach of said ends to a separate one of said elements, means mountingsaid bar for movement Vin opposing directions substantially transverseto the length dimension of the bar to carry said elements between saidfirst and second positions, means permitting predetermined movement ofsaid bar about an axis extending substantially transverse to saidopposite directions and to said length dimension between said ends, andmeans for effecting movement of said bar between said operatingpositions.

5. A device as defined in claim 4 wherein said lastnamed means includesa pair of solenoids having plungers movable in directions substantiallytransverse to said axis and parallel to the direction of spacing of saidoperating positions, and means operatively connecting said plungers tosaid bar.

6. A device as defined in claim 5 in combination with first switch meanseffective when operated to energize a selected one of said solenoids tocause movement of the bar toward a selected one of said operatingpositions, a pair of spaced second switch means each for controllingenergization of a separate one of said solenoids, and means effective inresponse to movement of said bar towards either of said operatingpositions to operate both of said second switch means for deenergizingthe solenoid causing such movement and for conditioning the othersolenoid for energization.

7. In a mechanism for operating a pair of switches, a bar having a pairof spaced ends each to be operatively connected to a separate switch ofa pair of switches, a

channel-shaped member having channel defining sides spaced by a distancegreater than the distance between sides of the bar, first means securingsaid bar within the (channel defined by the sides of said member withclearance between sides of the bar and sides of the member, said firstmeans additionally mounting the bar for pivotal movement relative to themember about a first axis passing between the sides of the membergenerally perpendicular to the direction of extension of the channel,means mounting said member for movement about a second axis extendinggenerally perpendicular to said first axis and parallel to the directionof extension of the channel, a link movable in a plane generallyperpendicular to said "second axis, a coil spring having endsoperatively connectedvto said link and to said member to provide a ysnapacting over center mechanism, a pair of solenoids each having a plungerconnected to a separate end of the link, first switch means effectivewhen operated to energize a selected one of said solenoids to causemovement of the bar about the second'axis in a selected direction with asnap action as the spring passes over center, a pair of spaced secondswitch means each for controlling energization of a separate one of saidsolenoids, and means effective in response to movement of said bar ineither direction about said second axis to operate both of said 10second switch means for de-energizing the solenoid causing such movementand for conditioning the other solenoid for energization.

8. In a switch device, a pair of switches each having a separateactuating element, said elements having first positions wherein one ofthe elements provides a closed condition of its switch and the other ofthe elements prof vides an open condition of its switch, and havingsecond positions wherein the one element provides an open condition ofits switch and the other element provides a closed condition of itsswitch, a bar having a pair of spaced ends, yieldable means yieldablyconnecting each of said ends to a separate one of said elements, achannelshaped member having a length dimension less than the lengthdimension of the bar, first means securing said bar within the channelto have said length dimensions in parallel relation with clearancebetween sides of the bar and sides of the channel, said first meansadditionally mounting the bar for pivotal movement relative to themember about a first axis extending transverse to said length dimensionsbetween said ends, means mounting said member for movement about asecond axis extending transverse to said first axis and parallel to saidlength dimensions, a link movable in a plane transverse to said secondaxis, a coil spring having ends operatively connected to said link andto said member to provide a snap acting over center mechanism, a pair ofsolenoids each having a plunger connected to a separate end of the link,first switch means effective when operated to energize a selected one ofsaid solenoids to cause movement of the -bar toward a selected one ofsaid operating positions with a snap action as the spring passes overcenter, a pair of spaced second switch means each for controllingenergization of a separate one of said solenoids, and means effective inresponse to movement of said bar towards either of said operatingpositions to operate both of said second switch means for de-energizingthe solenoid causing such movement and for conditioning the othersolenoid for energization.

9. In a switching system, a switching device having an actuating elementmovable from a first position to a second position to operate saidswitching device, a second switching device having a second actuatingelement movable from a first position to a second position to operatethe switching device, said first actuating element requiring less forceto throw the element to its said second position from its said firstposition than is required to throw said second actuating element to itssaid second position from its said first position, a member movable froma first position to a second position to throw said first element fromits said first position to its said second position and tying said firstelement to said second `element to cause said second element to movefrom its said first position to its said second position on movement ofsaid first element to its said second position, means connecting saidmember to said elements and providing limited relative movement betweensaid elements and member whereby the element offering the lessresistance to movement to said second position initially moves towardits said second position with the other element stationary and saidmember moves angularly relative to said elements as it is initiallytranslated toward its said second position, and operating means forthrowing said member from its said first position to its said secondposition.

l0. In a switching system, a switching device comprising a firstactuating element having ON and OFF positions, a second switching devicecomprising a second actuating element having ON and OFF positions, saidfirst element requiring less force to throw the element to its said OFFposition than is required to throw said second actuating element to itssaid ON position, a member constraining said second element to be in itsOFF position when said first element is in its ON position and movablefrom a first position to a second position to throw said first elementfrom its ON position to its OFF position and tying said first element tosaid second element to cause said second element to move from its saidOFF position to its ON position on movement of said first element to itsOFF position, means connecting said member to said elements andproviding limited relative movement between said elements and memberwhereby when said member is moved toward its said second position theelement offering the less resistance to movement is initially moved withthe other element remaining stationary and said member moves angularlyrelative to said elements as said first element is translated toward itssaid OFF position, and operating means for throwing said member from itssaid first position to its said second position.

11. In a switching system, a switching device having a first actuatingelement movable from a first position to a second position to operatesaid switching device, a second switching device having a secondactuating element movable from a first position to a second position tooperate the switching device, said first actuating element requiringless force to throw the element to its said second position from itssaid first position than is required to throw said second actuatingelement to its said second position from its said first position, amember movable from a first position to a second position to throw saidfirst element from its said first position to its said second positionand tying said first element to said second element to cause said secondelement to move from its said first position to its said second positionon movement of said first element to its said second position, meansconnecting said member to said elements and providing limited relativemovement between said'elements and member whereby the element offeringthe less resistance to movement to said second position initially movestoward its said second position with the other clement stationary andsaid member moves angularly relative to said other element as it istranslated toward its said second position, operating means for throwingsaid member from its said first position to its said second position,and means connecting said operating means to said member comprising apivot connection providing for angular movement of said member toaccommodate movement of said first element toward its said secondposition in advance of the movement of said second element and means forlimiting the angular movement of said member and constraining saidmember to move with said operating means after a predetermined angularmovement.

12. A switching arrangement as defined in claim 11 wherein saidoperating mechanism comprises an overcenter mechanism having twopositions in which said member is respectively in its said first andsecond positions.

13. A switching arrangement comprising first and second side-by-sidecircuit breakers having snap-acting overcenter actuating elements withthe outer ends of said ele- Vrnents being swung in substantiallyparallel planes between first and second positions to actuate thebreakers off and on and with said first positions being in a linelaterally `displaced from the line of said second positions, one of'said elements requiring a greater force to be moved from its said firstposition to its said second position than is required for the other ofsaid elements, a member eX- tending between said elements substantiallyperpendicular to said planes and laterally operable between positionsalong said first and second lines to throw said breakers, meansconnecting the opposite end portions of said member to said elements formovement of the elements with the end portion of the member and forlimited relative movement of the member relative to the elements in theplane of the member to accommodate limited movement of one element fromsaid first position toward said second position in advance of movementof the other element from said first position, and operating means fortranslating said member between its said position along said lines andaccommodating said angular movement of said member whereby the elementrequiring the less force to actuate is first moved to its secondposition.

14. A switching arrangement as defined in claim 13 wherein saidoperating means comprises power-actuated means pivotally connected tosaid member at a point intermediate said elements for relative. movementabout an aXis generally perpendicular to the plane of said member.

15. A switching arrangement as defined in claim 14 wherein saidoperating means comprises an over-center mechanism and means pivotallyconnecting said over-center mechanism to said member to accommodateangular movement of said member.

16. A switching arrangement comprising side-by-side circuit breakerseach comprising an actuating element having two stable, ON and OFF,positions on opposite sides of a center position, said elements beingmovable between first side-by-side positions along a first line tosecond side-by-side positions along a second line displaced laterallyfrom said first line, the first positions of said actuating elements forsaid first and second breakers being respectively ON and OFF positionsand the second positions of said actuating elements of said first andsecond breakers being respectively OFF and ON positions with the forcerequired for operating each actuating element to its ON position beinggreater than the force required to actuate the element to its OFFposition, a member extending between said elements, means connectingrespective end portions of said member to the adjacent element andproviding angular movement of said member relative to said elements toenable one element to be initially moved with the other element in astationary position, operating mechanism for translating said memberbetween positions along said lines to actuate said actuating elements,and means connecting said operating means to said member andaccommodating said angular movement of said member as said member istranslated to throw said elements between said positions in sequence.

17. A switching arrangement comprising side-by-side circuit breakerseach comprising an actuating element having two stable, ON and OFF,positions on opposite sides or a center positions, said elements beingmovable between first side-by-side positions along a first line tosecond side-by-side positions along a second line displaced laterallyfrom said first line, the first positions of said actuating elements forsaid first and second breakers being respectively ON and OFF positionsand the second positions of said actuating elements of said first andsecond breakers being respectively OFF and ON positions with the forcerequired for operating each actuating element to its ON position beinggreater than the force required to actuate the element to its OFFposition, a member extending between said elements, means connectingrespective end portions of said member to the adjacent element andproviding angular movement of said member relative to said elements toenable one element to be initially moved with the other element in astationary position, operating mechanism for translating said memberbetween positions along said lines to actuate said actuating elements,and means connecting said operating means to said member andaccommodating said angular movement of said member as said member istranslated to throw said elements between said positions in sequence,said operating means comprising an over-center mechanism having twostable positions wherein said member is disposed along respective onesof said lines.

18. A switching arrangement as defined in claim 17 wherein said membermoves relative to the element offering the greater resistance tomovement until said mechanism moves over center and then constrains thelatter element to move with the member.

19. A switching arrangement as defined in claim 17 wherein saidover-center mechanism includes power means energizable to move saidmember between positions along said lines, means for energizing saidpower means to effect movement of said member and means responsive 13 tothe movement of said mechanism over center to effect a de-energizationof said power means.

20. A switching arrangement comprising side-by-side circuit breakerseach comprising an actuating element having two stable, ON and OPF,positions on opposite sides of a center position, said elements beingmovable between rst side-by-side positions along a first line to secondside-by-side positions along a second line displaced laterally from saidfirst line, the first positions of said actuating elements for said rstand second bre be,-v ing respectively ON and OFP` positions and thesecond positions of said actuating elements of said first and secondbreakers being respectively OFF and ON positions with the force requiredfor operating each actuating element to its ON position being greaterthan the force required to actuate the element to its OFF position, amember ex tending between said elements, means connecting respective endportions of said member to the adjacent element and providing angularmovement of said member relative to said elements to enable one elementto be initially moved with the other element in a stationary position,

operating mechanism for translating said member between positions alongsaid lines to actuate said actuating elements, and pivot meansconnecting said operating means to said member whereby said member isadapted to swing around said pivot means to effect movement of oneelement in advance of the other and including means limiting the extentof said swinging movement about said pivot means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,831,368 Rubel Nov. 10, 1931 2,097,786 Fiedl Nov. 2, 1937 2,671,836Anger et al. Mar. 9, 1954 2,703,827 Gelzheiser Mar. 8, 1955 2,722,135Taylor Nov. 1, 1955 2,755,354 Dehn et al. July 17, 1956 2,773,949Edmunds Dec. 1l, 1956 2,790,044 Booth Apr. 23, 1957 2,881,284 MekelburgApr. 7, 1959 2,904,649 Ranson Sept. 15, 1959

